Pine Bluff, Arkansas – Residents of Pine Bluff may soon be asked to weigh in on a proposed one cent sales and use tax, a measure city leaders say is crucial to addressing ongoing funding challenges. The potential tax, which would appear on the March ballot, was announced Monday by Mayor Vivian Flowers during a press conference, where she outlined the city’s financial needs and long-term plans for revitalization.
“As we continue to see the continuing declines in our population and therefore in our budget we need to be mindful of the fact that we gone have to do something different,” Flowers said, emphasizing the urgency of finding new revenue streams. The proposed levy, which would add one penny per dollar spent within city limits, is being referred to as the Revitalization Economic Development Tax.
According to city officials, the funds collected could play a critical role in a variety of areas, including youth programs, infrastructure upgrades, and support for first responders. Flowers specifically mentioned the potential for repairing potholes, renovating abandoned buildings damaged by fire, supporting senior centers, and investing in the Pine Bluff port. “What I’m about to talk to you about I’ve been talking about for over a year,” Flowers added, highlighting the proposal as part of a longer-term vision rather than a sudden policy change.
Despite the proposed benefits, the idea has drawn skepticism from some residents. John Fenley, a former mayoral candidate who challenged Flowers in a past election, expressed concerns that an additional tax could exacerbate the city’s population decline. “A tax is going to drive people away when they really want to be drawing people in,” Fenley said, noting the potential for economic strain on both businesses and residents. He added, “The less we can charge people the more efficient we can be about government funds the better off this town will be. We don’t need another tax.”
The debate over the measure underscores the city’s ongoing fiscal pressures. Pine Bluff’s budgets for 2024 and 2025 each exceeded planned expenditures by $2 million, although the city remained balanced by drawing on leftover funds from previous years. Mayor Flowers argued that relying solely on past savings is unsustainable. She noted that the additional revenue from the proposed sales tax would allow the city to maintain essential services while investing in long-term projects that could improve the quality of life for residents.
Public reaction has been mixed. While some worry about the potential economic impact, others have been persuaded by the mayor’s detailed explanation of the city’s financial needs. Charline Wright, a local resident, said she changed her stance after the press conference. “I think I’ve changed my mind,” Wright said. She added, “She has my vote of confidence. I want to put my money where my vote is at so I can say that I did give her my vote she had the resources. Now if she comes up for reelection and that wasn’t done that might change.”
If approved, the tax would be set for a 10-year period and could generate as much as $14 million annually. City leaders plan to present the proposal to the Pine Bluff City Council in December, where council members will decide whether to place it on the March ballot.
The conversation around the sales tax reflects broader challenges facing Pine Bluff as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with community development. Proponents argue the measure could inject much-needed funds into vital projects, while opponents fear it may deter residents and businesses already struggling with economic pressures.
As the city prepares for the council vote, both supporters and critics of the plan are expected to continue voicing their opinions. For Mayor Flowers, the decision represents a critical step in her ongoing effort to secure resources for the city and lay the groundwork for long-term revitalization. “We’ve got to think about doing things differently if we want to continue to thrive,” she said, framing the proposal as a necessary step toward stabilizing Pine Bluff’s future.
With the possibility of a 1% sales tax looming on the horizon, Pine Bluff residents face a choice that could shape the city’s financial landscape for the next decade.
